Plot Points #34 💌
The myth of free content, introverts, logolepsy, and Jonathan Van Ness
Happy Friday again!
It feels like Friday of last week was two days ago because my sense of time and space is still a little wonky from the holidays, but here we are. I hope you all had a lovely New Year’s.
The kids are back to school now and my no-buy year is in full swing. (If you missed that news, read this.) Yes, it’s only been five days, but I’ve been to Target twice—the real test of self-control—and didn’t feel at all tempted to look at stuff for myself. I’m sure it’s just the headiness of a fresh start yet to wear off, but maybe not. I haven’t given myself any spending money from our budget—and I won’t—so since it’s not there I just…don’t care anymore?
IDK. Talk to me again in a month.
Point #1: Free content is a myth.
writes so true in this essay when she details the work that goes into the creation of “free” content and explains why it matters that people financially support the work of writers they enjoy. There are so many options these days—subscriptions, book purchases, virtual tip jars, and even a simple share—and each one makes a big difference.
Point #2: A little daydreaming never hurt anyone.
When we sold our cottage in the city a few years ago, we bought a 1960s ranch with double the space (thanks to a finished basement). Now that job changes and such are on the horizon, inflation and mortgage costs have Pierce and I both thinking about downsizing once more. I love how these families made it work for them!
Point #3: JVN saves the day.
Postpartum hair loss is not a friend. It’s been four years since I gave birth and I’ve never fully recovered from the stress PPD put on my already fine locks. Not only is Jonathan Van Ness like a super bright ray of sunshine, his tips for caring for thin/fine hair have been giving me hope for better hair days ahead.
Point #4: “In our garments, in our gardens, and in our moral choices, we draw the seams of our life together.”
This gorgeous piece reflects on the way we cultivate appreciation for the ups and downs of life by seeing them through the lens of domestic work, such as sewing and gardening. It’s another lovely reminder of how restoration happens in seemingly small places.
Bonus Point: It’s so smooth.
Making Harry Potter more iconic than ever.
Word of the Week
Logolepsy: (n.) An obsession with words.
Reading in The Nook
I’m thrilled to have capped off my reading goal for 2023 with 76 books! My goal was 75 and I slipped past the mark on New Year’s Eve by finishing Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers (hilarious) and There’s a Ghost in This House for Theo. (Once again, picture books count!) I decided to set a new goal of 100 this year, which feels impossible…but so does not spending any money on myself for twelve months, and yet!
I also went a little nuts and requested twelve books from the library last week when I haven’t even finished the five I have on my nightstand. A few of them came in yesterday and, as a fellow introvert, I’m most excited about
’s Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come: One Introvert’s Year of Saying Yes. Jess’s Substack has been a true highlight for me in the past couple of months. The woman is hysterical and her writing feels like a Nora Ephron movie come to life: bookish, quirky, and charming all the way through. I’m sure her book is going to be all of that and more!
What’s on your reading list this week? 👇🏼
“To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace in society.”
—Theodore Roosevelt—
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Ohhhh I hope you like it!!!! Thank you for reading!!!!